Greetings Everyone,
I am writing this on the eve of the summer
solstice. Tomorrow will be the longest day of
the year and the first day of summer. The
heat is not far behind. We are expecting temperatures in the nineties next week. A good time to try out some of the refreshing herbal drinks Deb and Dee Dee showcased at the May unit meeting. The cycle of the seasons reminds me that change is inevitable. It is one of the things that I like about living in a temperate climate. Having four definite seasons keeps life interesting but it is also reassuring. During a heatwave or cold spell, we know that this too will pass. There is always something to look forward to.

Our fiscal year comes to an end on July 31st. We will elect new unit leaders at the July meeting on the 18th. I will be stepping down from Unit Chair after four years. Deb Slentz and Dee Dee Nunn will leave their positions as Co-Vice Chairs after two years. The nominating committee has done an amazing job in recruiting volunteers to serve in these important positions. Thank you Donna McCubbins, Lisa Whitaker, and Susan Hart for providing us with such a strong slate of nominees. Lisa Whitaker and Kathy Peterson have put their names forward to serve as Unit Co-Chairs and Diann Brumley for Vice Chair. The following officers will stay in their current positions: Susan Hart – Recording Secretary; Jett Rose – Treasurer; Barbara Peppers -Corresponding Secretary; Joan Burton – Historian. Thank you all so much for the services you provide to our unit.

It has been my great pleasure to work closely with Deb and Dee Dee. They have done a fantastic job as membership coordinators, the primary duty of the Vice Chair. The new processes they have instituted for welcoming prospective members, gathering and disseminating information to and about new members are invaluable. They have also gone above and beyond their roles to provide me with added support and took on the daunting publication duties for the unit.

I never aspired to such a leadership role. I
am comfortable speaking in front of a group,
so leading the meetings wasn’t too difficult.
However, all of the organization, coordination, and decision-making were a stretch for me. I have learned so much in my tenure as Unit Chair. I am extremely grateful for everyone’s support and patience over these past four years. I gave it my all because you were there cheering me on. I know you will do the same for the in-coming leaders.

Speaking of change, there are new adventures on the horizon. The unit is embarking on an exciting project to modernize our website. The program committee will soon begin planning the new monthly programs for the upcoming year. On a personal note, my partner and I will be moving to La Crosse, Wisconsin to be close to family. This move will likely take place over several months and I will continue to be an active unit member, even if long distance.
With deep gratitude,